Eggnog: Creative ways to enjoy a taste of that holiday nog

For many people, the holiday season is not complete without enjoying at least a few cups of eggnog or holiday nog. The creamy, rich beverage is only around for a limited time and many people cannot get enough of that sweet, delicious beverage.

While many people enjoy that Southern Comfort Eggnog, it isn’t the only brand on the shelf. That version, or even the Fireball influenced option, has long been a favorite.

Bolthouse Farms has a holiday nog that entices people to enjoy another serving. With all that delicious flavor, this version has a little less guilt in each serving. With lower fat and cholesterol in each serving, it is the option that makes everyone feel a little more merry when having a second (or third) serving.

What creative ways are you using eggnog and holiday nog?

Eggnog cocktails

Eggnog cocktails are often a top choice. But, it can be more than just a splash of rum, bourbon or whiskey in the glass. Sometimes that sweetness needs a burst of flavor for balance.

This cocktail from Fernet-Branca has the flavors of nog, but is made to order. Or, you can skip the mild and egg and just use a ready-made beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Fernet-Branca
• 2 parts bourbon
• 3 parts milk (whole milk preferred)
• 2 dashes maple syrup
• 1 large egg

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously. Add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a chilled rocks glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

While a eggnog cocktail is a lovely substitute for dessert, it isn’t the only option on the table. Whether there is a splash left in that container or a whole container that needs to be used, there are plenty of ways to use that seasonal beverage.

Eggnog Oatmeal

Although oatmeal might be the stick to your ribs breakfast on a chilly morning, why not add a little holiday nog to the mix. That sweet, luscious flavor mixed with the cinnamon and sugar will bring smiles all around the table.

Eggnog French Toast

Since holiday nog has flavors similar to the rich, eggy custard used in a French Toast, it is a lovely swap for a seasonal breakfast. A simple swap is to swap the nog for the milk or cream in a recipe.

Bolthouse Farm has shared a Holiday Nog French Toast recipe that could become a new holiday tradition. While this recipe has a special dredge, it can be done without the cookie crumble. But, since it is the holidays, that extra is totally worth the splurge.

Here’s how to make Holiday Nog French Toast from Bolthouse Farms

Ingredients:

• 30 vanilla-butter cookies
• 40 butter crackers
• 1 cup Bolthouse Farm Holiday Nog
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 4 sliced Hawaiian Bread
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and divided
• Sliced strawberries, for serving
• Sliced bananas, for serving
• Honey or maple syrup, for serving

Preparation

• Place cookies and crackers into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until a fine and mealy texture is produced. Pour mixture onto a shallow dish
• In another shallow dish whisk together the Bolthouse Farms Holiday Nog, eggs, and brown sugar
• Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture until fully soaked. The dredge each slice of bread int the cookie-cracker mixers until each slice is fully coated.
• Melt 3 tablespoons of butter into a skillet, over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add two slices of coated bread to the skillet and fry on each side for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

A couple of hints with this recipe. If you don’t have a food processor, you can try to pound the cookies-cracker mixture in a bag. The result will not be as fine, but it can be nice to have a little extra texture on the French Toast.

Also, if you have left over Hawaiian Rolls from dinner, that food can work too. It won’t be a big slice, but it is always good to avoid food waste.

Lastly, consider a drizzle of some hot honey with this recipe. The touch of spice can help to cut through the richness of the dish. A combination of sweet and heat can be delicious.

Eggnog Icing

From those morning cinnamon rolls to holiday cookies, add a little boost of flavor to a recipe. It could be a nice swap that could be the flavor surprise on the table.

Eggnog Ice Cubes

For people missing that nog flavor in their favorite latte, consider making some ice cubes. From that cold brew coffee to an iced coffee, those flavored ice cubes will be a welcome sip. A boost of caffeine is always welcome during the holiday.

Sweet potatoes

Who says that eggnog is only used in sweet recipes. Skip those marshmallows and add a little nog to the sweet potatoes. It might be the new recipe tradition that makes it the star side dish.

Do you have a great use for eggnog or holiday nog? Or, do you skip the seasonal beverage all together?